Pathanamthitta: Travelers taking the Thannithode-Konni Road are on for a visual treat at Thannikode Moozhi, as a kaleidoscope of the Tree yellow butterflies (Gandaca harina distanti) have taken it upon themselves to paint the sunlit areas of the forest yellow.
Tree yellow butterflies can be seen flying around near the estate in Thannikode Moozhi on Thekkuthode Road and if one is not alert, they could be mistaken for fallen flowers of a Konna (Golden Shower tree) that ended its seasonal outing just now. Perched in groups on top of bamboo huts above trees, they offer the treat for those pass by.
Caterpillars that feed on the leaves of Golden shower tree (also known as Indian laburnum) transform as yellow butterflies. Known in Tamil Nadu and in Kerala as Thakaramuthi, the Tree yellow butterflies belong to the species of Monarch butterflies that keep migrating. Tree yellow butterflies live for two months only.
